Founder's Letter: Spring 2021
It feels strange to reflect back on when we were designing this collection last year. We were in the early stages of the pandemic and beginning to realize that the virus was going to have a serious impact on our lives. It made sense to design a collection that was lean and focused. But when it came to choosing fabrics, we found ourselves selecting materials that were happy, soft, and cheerful. Now that the collection is live, I’m glad we went that route.
The Spring 2021 collection is focused on nightshirts, nighties, and kaftans that are truly versatile. The shapes also have potential – looking at them now, I see something I’ll be able to wear in my home office, around the house on the weekends, or outside. But the pieces can also be upgraded to more formal occasions. As cities and countries start to make plans to open up again, I know I’ll be able to wear the Spring 2021 collection at outdoor parties and restaurants. I’m sure many of you share my desire to get dressed up again, and these pieces will live up to those opportunities, but will still work if things don’t go as planned and we are told to stay home just a little bit longer.
The piece I coveted most was the Pocket Kaftan, which I got for myself in Black Linen and Sapporo Cotton Linen Stripe. It’s a version of our popular Oversized Kaftan, but is shorter and has pockets. It’s the ultimate easy, slip-on piece, and I’ll be wearing mine poolside this summer and hopefully to parties outside; if so, I may dust off my high heels for the occasion.
The Two Layer Dress is also an easy day piece that can be dressed up or down. I have dreams of wearing the white linen version to my favourite rooftop bar this summer, and the black linen one will carry through the seasons as a simple party dress (I am definitely one of those people who wears linen year round.)
Fabric highlights include the Sapporo Cotton Linen Stripe. One of my team members, Abby, said, “We have to talk about how soft this is!” and she is right – it is an incredibly soft fabric. But it’s also quite weighty and completely opaque. If you are looking for a nightshirt/beach coverup/day dress that is totally not sheer, then this is the fabric for you. I also love the Blue & Pink Trio Stripe; it was inspired by a vintage Japanese pattern, and the shirting it’s printed on is smooth and lightweight. It is bold and happy and feels just right for the moment.
The Spring 2021 collection is very much a return to the pieces and fabrics we know and love. We relaunched some of our most popular seasonal shapes, the Ankle Length Sleep Shirt, Button Down Sleep Shirt, and Pocket Nightie, and we chose fabrics that we know and love. The Royal Oxford cotton has always been a customer favourite (you’ll find it in pink or white) and the Sky Blue Linen Blend is a material we’ve been selling in various shapes and patterns for years.
Whether you’re in the mood for newness or want to go back to what you know, there’s something in this collection you’ll be able to wear comfortably at home, at a picnic, and if all goes well, on vacation or to your favourite restaurant. Happy spring.